If you’re a fan of TV shows like Criminal Minds and Bones, you’re probably familiar with forensic science. But if you want to take your interest beyond the small screen, and into a career with a growth rate that’s more than double the national average, you’ll need a master’s in forensic science.
Finding the time to pursue a master’s degree, however, is easier said than done. Fortunately, studying online can help you reach your goals and save money. To help you get started, we’ve outlined some of 2024’s best online master’s degrees in forensic science, along with costs, specializations, and potential career opportunities.
A Closer Look into Three Forensic Science Online Master’s
Which online master’s degree in forensic science is the right fit for you will depend on a variety of factors, from course offerings to cost. To help you get started, we’ve highlighted three high-quality, fully online master’s programs in forensic science that combine quality academics with access and affordability.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University, the flagship of Arizona’s state system, offers quality online education, including a master’s in forensic science. The 30-credit Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Forensic Science is designed with career-focused students in mind, and can be completed while working full-time. Students already employed in forensic science-related positions, including law enforcement, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Once enrolled in your online master’s degree in forensic science at ASU, you’ll be taking courses ranging from applied biology and biostatistics to forensic botany and entomology to criminal procedure for forensic scientists. You will also be completing an applied project as a program capstone. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher in a relevant field, such as biology, criminal justice, or psychology from an accredited school.
University of Florida
The University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy offers a fully online Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Science. You will earn a Master of Science in Pharmacy upon completion of this 32-credit degree program which includes 18 credits of required core courses and 14 credits of electives. Due to the program’s strong emphasis on biological science, you can expect to take multiple courses in medicine and forensic toxicology, as well as elective courses on topics like the forensic use of DNA analysis.
To apply, you should have a bachelor’s degree in a natural science subject from an accredited school, with an upper-division undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. The GRE is not required to apply for this program, and you can transfer up to 15 credits from previous study.
Oklahoma State University
The MS Online in Forensic Sciences at Oklahoma State University is a 32-credit program offered through the School of Forensic Sciences in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. The program offers several specialties or “pathways,” including Arson, Explosives, Firearm and Tool Mark Investigations (AEFTI), Forensic Investigative Sciences (FIS), Forensic Psychology, and Forensic Science Administration (FSA).
Whichever pathway you select, you’ll be able to choose between two application deadlines for two start dates each year. Applicants should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited school and verified prior employment in forensics. Financial aid may be available, and students based in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia may be eligible for in-state tuition through Oklahoma State’s participation in the Academic Common Market program.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Forensic Science Graduate Program
Once you’re enrolled in your program, it’s time to get to work. Here is a sample of classes you may take in your online master’s degree in forensic science.
Applied Statistics and Data Analysis
Forensic science isn’t only about looking at evidence under a microscope. Forensic scientists use large amounts of data and biostatistics in research and law enforcement contexts. This class, which is a required course in many online master’s programs in forensic science, is an advanced math course where you’ll learn how to apply statistical analysis in a forensic context. Biostatistics and biodata may also be included.
Forensic Psychology
Psychology is the science of the mind, and is used in forensics for criminal profiling, understanding the nature of a given crime, and more. Forensic psychology can include abnormal and deviant behavior, building a psychological profile, and the psychology of criminal justice. This course will teach you the advanced applications of psychology in a forensic and/or law criminal justice setting and may lead to a further specialization within your program.
Criminal Procedures in Investigation for Forensic Scientists
While forensic science is a natural science at its core, it’s vital that forensic scientists working on crime scenes follow appropriate procedure for legal and ethical reasons, as well as to ensure findings are accurate. In this class, you’ll learn about criminal law and policy in various scenarios and the procedures of a criminal investigation as they apply to forensic scientists.
Forensic Analysis of DNA
The use of DNA evidence has been a critical advancement in forensic science and criminal justice over the past several decades. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of collecting and analyzing DNA evidence, including crime-scene procedures for safely collecting and storing samples of DNA-containing materials like sweat, blood, and hair. You’ll also discover how DNA matching and the use of DNA databases work in law enforcement.
Forensic Toxicology
Toxicology is the study of toxic substances, including poisons and drugs. For criminal investigations ranging from narcotics-related crimes, to homicides, to criminal negligence and product tampering, forensic toxicology is used to help determine if and how toxic substances were involved in a crime. This class focuses on the fundamentals of this work and may include lab-style projects from home.
Common Admission Requirements for Forensic Science Master’s Programs
Requirement 1: An Undergraduate Degree from An Accredited School
You’ll need to have finished or be on track to finish your undergraduate degree before you start your online master’s degree in forensic science. Some schools require a minimum GPA and may give preference to applicants with a degree in a relevant subject, like biology or criminal justice.
Requirement 2: Online Application Form
You will need to fill out an online application form, typically through your school’s admissions page. This online application will typically ask for applicant information, including your work and educational history, as well as relevant awards, extracurricular activities, and demographics, including race and ethnicity.
Requirement 3: Letters of Recommendation
Many schools will require you to submit two to three letters of recommendation with your application. Ideally, these should be from academic sources, such as a former professor, or professional references from a colleague, employer, or manager. Be sure to give your referees plenty of advance notice to write your recommendations.
Requirement 4: Personal Statement
If your application form is the “who,” of your application, your personal statement is the “why.” This will be a short essay, often with a strict word limit, where you have the chance to explain why you want to pursue a master’s in forensic science. This is a chance to give the admissions committee a sense of who you are, so don’t be afraid to get personal.
Requirement 5: GRE Scores
While many schools are making the GRE optional, or even doing away with it outright, some schools still require these scores, and you may want to submit them to a “GRE optional” school. Be sure you give yourself plenty of time to study or retake the GRE if needed.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Forensic Science Majors
Before you enroll in an online master’s degree in forensic science, it’s important to know how much it will cost, and have a plan for how to pay for it. You should check your school’s tuition for online students, but also be aware of any financial aid opportunities they offer, including fellowships and research or teaching assistantships.
In addition to your school’s resources, be sure to fill out your FAFSA on time, and look into private scholarship opportunities, especially for students studying forensic science and related fields. Remember, scholarships with narrower application eligibility often have fewer applicants, increasing your odds of getting funding.
Understanding What Your Online Forensic Science Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master’s in Forensic Science | 30 | $20,238 |
| University of Florida | Forensic Science Online Master’s Degree | 32 | $18,400 |
| Oklahoma State University | Forensic Sciences MS Online | 32 | $10,361 – $14,527 |
Popular Forensic Science Careers
Once you’ve completed your online forensic science master’s degree, it’s time to start the job hunt. Whether you’re planning for a career in law enforcement, research, or a combination of the two, you’ll have options on where to apply. Here are just a few forensic science careers to consider after graduation.
Forensic Science Technician
A forensic science technician is on the front lines of crime scene investigation. In this role, you collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes on behalf of a state, local, or federal law enforcement agency. Many forensic science technicians have a particular specialty, such as ballistic analysis, blood spatter analysis, forensic entomology, or fingerprinting. Forensic science technicians may be asked to serve as expert witnesses testifying in court during criminal cases.
Career Outlook: Forensic Science Technician
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $64,940 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $107,490 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 13% | |
| Top Industry | |
| Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023; BLS, 2023
Digital Forensics Analyst
Digital forensics is a professional field at the intersection of IT and forensic science. As a digital forensics analyst, you’ll be responsible for analyzing digital material and data, including traffic, records, and more, to investigate security breaches and criminal activities. Digital forensics analysts work in law enforcement to trace digital crime but may also be employed by the private sector for data security and to counter industrial espionage.
Career Outlook: Digital Forensics Analyst
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $104,920 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $182,370 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 32% | |
| Top Industry | |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023; BLS, 2023
Life Scientist
Forensic science is a diverse field, with overlaps in biology, botany, entomology, psychology, and more. As such, your master’s in forensic science can lead to a career as a life scientist in one of these fields. Life scientists work in research for the public and private sector, as well as in academia, although for an academic career, you may want to pursue a PhD in your given field (i.e., a PhD in botany for a career as an academic botanist and/or botany professor).
Career Outlook: Life Scientist
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $86,950 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $172,060 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 6% | |
| Top Industry | |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023; BLS, 2023
Chemist
Chemists are professional scientists working with chemicals to conduct experiments, develop new products, ensure quality control and safety for existing chemical products including medicine and consumer goods, and further advance human knowledge. Chemists generally work in laboratory settings, but can be employed by the public, private, or academic sector. More advanced roles in chemistry require additional education, up to the doctoral level for the top jobs.
Career Outlook: Chemist
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $84,680 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $149,550 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 6% | |
| Top Industry | |
| Manufacturing |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023; BLS, 2023
Police Identification and Records Officer
A police identification and records officer work on the front lines of law enforcement, most commonly for state or local government. One of the chief roles of a police identification and records officer is the collection of evidence, including dusting for fingerprints, collecting and analyzing footprints, and photographing crime scenes for further analysis. This role may lead to more advanced policing and law enforcement roles, including that of a detective.
Career Outlook: Police Identification and Records Officer
| Median Annual Pay | |
| $74,910 | |
| 90th Percentile Pay | |
| $117,100 | |
| Projected Growth (2022-32) | |
| 3% | |
| Top Industry | |
| Government |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023; BLS, 2023
Online Forensic Science Master’s FAQs
Are online forensic science master’s programs more affordable than in-person programs?
Generally speaking, online master’s degrees, including online master’s degrees in forensic science, are more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. This is because you will be saving the cost of relocation by studying online, and because many programs are designed to be flexible, making it easier to retain paid employment while you study. However, you should be sure to check your specific program’s tuition costs and financial aid options before you apply.
How long does it take to earn a forensic science master’s degree online?
It generally takes about two years of full-time study to complete a typical online master’s degree in forensic science. However, some programs, which typically require 30-35 credits to graduate, have part-time options, which take longer to complete but have lower weekly time commitments. There are also accelerated options, which are quicker, but more intense.
Can I earn an online graduate certificate in forensic science instead of a master’s degree?
If you want to earn forensic science qualifications, but don’t want a full master’s degree, many schools offer online certificate programs in forensic science. While these will earn you a less advanced credential than a master’s, certificate programs are also likely to be significantly shorter to complete, with some taking only a few weeks or months, and may be less costly in terms of tuition and fees.
Is earning a forensic science master’s degree online more flexible than traditional, on-campus programs?
Most often it is much more flexible to study for your master’s in forensic science online instead of on campus. For starters, with an online degree, you can study from anywhere with no need to live near campus and come in for classes. Many online master’s programs in forensic science are designed for working professionals, meaning they offer asynchronous courses and evening, weekend, or otherwise flexible options.
Can I apply for a PhD after my online master's program in forensic science?
If you’re interested in a career in academia, your master’s in forensic science might be only the beginning of your educational journey. Many schools offer PhD programs in forensic science, and earning a master’s in forensic science is a particularly strong credential for your doctoral program application. In fact, many PhD programs require a master’s in a relevant subject as a prerequisite for admission.